10 Best hikes and trails in Elk Island National Park

Best trails in Elk Island National Park

4.3(6,908 reviews)

Canada
:
#18 of 49 national parks

Elk Island National Park of Canada protects the wilderness of the aspen parkland, one of the most endangered habitats in Canada. Plains provide habitat for bison, wood bison, moose, deer, and elk. The park is also renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 250 species of birds.

Top trails

#1 - Shirley Lake, Paul Lake and Oster Lake

This trail begins at the Tawayik Lake picnic site and loops around the three northern lakes: Shirley Lake, Paul Lake, and Oster Lake. It can be hiked either by heading north on the Simmons Trail or cutting across to Oster Lake first. There is a wide variety of vegetation and fantastic views around the lakes and meadows, including rolling hills, knob and kettle terrain, and opportunities to see bison, waterfowl and beaver. Birch and aspen forests, open meadows, and marshes make this an...

This loop combines the moderate length and longer length Moss Lake Trails, adventuring to several of Elk Island National Park's best lakes. It is mainly forested and flat with mild inclines, but the loop is very scenic. It's easy to navigate and is very quiet thanks to the backcountry, so this is an excellent option for beginner hikers. Sections can be muddy and wet depending on the season. Occasionally, flooded parts of the trail can be easily bypassed. Winter-season snowshoeing and...

#3 - Astotin Lakeview Trail

Overall, this is an easy leisurely trail for anyone, especially those camping nearby. The first third of this route is paved, then when you cross the gate, the trail becomes more of a nature hike in forest and bog. It's a great hike along the shoreline and the forest, where you'll see ponds and beaver dams. Wildflowers are all over in spring and summer, and the autumn foliage is spectacular. It's great for spotting birds, waterfowl, elk, moose, and even bison frequent the trail.

#4 - Moss Lake Detour

This abbreviated option of Moss Lake Trail is similar to other trails in Elk Island National Park. It is mainly forested and flat with some mild incline but very scenic. It's easy to navigate and quiet, making this an excellent option for beginner hikers. Sections can be muddy and wet depending on the season. Occasionally, flooded parts of the trail can be easily bypassed.

The Hayburger Trail is named for a family that homesteaded in the park up until the 1930s. The trail crosses a black spruce bog where boreal birds and moose may be observed. The trail also winds through open aspen forests and meadows, the preferred habitat of the plains bison. Remain on the trail, as there are hidden areas of quicksand in some of the large meadows. The minimal elevation gain on this trail makes for a gentle hike. The loop portion starts after 1.45 km. Be careful not to...

#6 - Beaver Pond Trail

This is an excellent and easy trail with occasional inclines to add variety. The best views are in the first kilometre of the trail and even in winter the views are stunning. It's not a long trail, but it still provides benches for breaks. You may even be able to spot beaver activity here, hence the name. Keep an eye out for trees that have been snacks for the beavers, too. Overall, it is a fun loop to walk, especially with a nice breeze to keep the bugs down.

#7 - Amisk Wuche Trail

This is an excellent and short hike that weaves in and out of aspen and spruce forest and over boardwalks along wetlands. There is ample opportunity for bird-watching and beaver sightings. It's an excellent beginner-level trail that is kept in good shape. Just keep an eye on the large tree roots that cover the forest floor.

#8 - Tawayik Lake Trail

This trail begins at the Tawayik Lake picnic site and can be hiked in either direction, circling Tawayik Lake and the surrounding meadows. Rolling hills break into a vast plain between two lakes with picturesque views in the middle. Bison are undoubtedly to be seen roaming the area. Dogs are not permitted on most of this loop since sensitive habitats exist. The plains yield to shallow valleys and back to rolling hills. Overall the terrain is not too challenging, with the bridges and walkways...

#9 - Wood Bison Trail

This trail is a pleasant stroll through a forest, with occasional glimpses of lakes. It's great for bird watching and viewing other types of wildlife, such as bison, elk, and deer. If going in summer, bring lots of bug spray and sun tan lotion, as open areas can get quite hot. This is not an easy trail, as Parks Canada calls it a black diamond. The forest system here is left to be more natural than in other areas, thanks to the famous Bison that you will see here. Hiking in groups is...

#10 - Shoreline Trail

This wide, paved, level trail is always quiet and pretty in any season, significantly when leaves change colours. The little detour to Elk Island is the most excellent part of the trail. It is a well-travelled trail and on-leash dog-friendly. A little bit of elevation, but not much. Very scenic, folks who have completed the trail would recommend it for a first-time hiker or cyclist looking to escape from the campgrounds. Accessibility: It is unclear if there are any designated accessible...

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Visitor info

Hours & contact

Open 24 hours

Passes & fees

Fee required

General park hours

Every day • Open 24 hours

Phone

(780) 922-5790

Elk Island National Park charges a fee to enter.

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Guides

Top Picks in Elk Island National Park

8 trails

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Trail reviews for Elk Island National Park

6,322 trailgoers Busiest in July

John Maxfield

Feb 17, 2025•Hiking

Cold hike along the trail and then walk on the ice and snow to the island at Elk Island National Park.

Astotin Lakeview Trail

Jake Leruyet

Mar 12, 2025•Hiking

Good viewsEasy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms available

Amish Wuche Trail at Elk Island National Park.

Amisk Wuche Trail

Carly Sheen

Jan 8, 2025

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Just did the "moderate" shorter loop of the trail, took me about 1.5 hrs in a calm, wandering pace! (Just under 5km). This is my favourite trail at elk island, I think! Perfect mix of walking through the thick forest, as well as open spaces with gorgeous views right by the lake. Saw a bison hanging out by the lake. Wonderful! There is a bathroom at the trailhead as well as 2 or 3 campfire rings and picnic tables (no wood though)

Difficulty: Easy

Moss Lake Trail

Courtney Fauht

Sep 8, 2024•Hiking

Easy to parkBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditions

Completed this trail on September 08, 2024. This is one of the longer hikes at Elk Island Park, but definitely worth it. Trail is mostly flat with the odd little hill, but overall barely any elevation gain. You’re in the trees for quite a bit of the trail, but there are many little field areas along the trail for potential bison spotting. We didn’t see any bison on the trail this time though. Trail also had a good mix of sun and shade. Definitely start early as it’s a longer trail to avoid the heat. Bring bug spray as well because there were a lot of mosquitoes. All I wore for this hike was my regular hiking shoes, but any pair of runners would work on this trail. No poles or fancy hiking equipment needed! There is a bear warning, and we saw bear scat along the trail but no actual bears. Also some coyote scat as well. Overall I really liked this trail and I’d have to say it’s going to be one of my new favorites at elk island park and will be returning

Conditions: Bugs

Hayburger Trail

Brian Powell

Aug 31, 2024•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

I really enjoyed this hike and I think out of the Elk Island ones I have completed, this would be my favourite. Well maintained trail, and although a lot of it is surrounded by trees it was still nice. Some Bear scat along the trail and some Bison poops along the trail, but no sight of anything.

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Large lot

Shirley Lake, Paul Lake and Oster Lake

Courtney Fauht

Jun 19, 2025•Hiking

Good viewsEasy to parkBathrooms available

Completed June 18, 2025. A short but hilly hike that I guess could be considered a more “challenging” hike at Elk Island. Lots of little spots of elevation gain, but nothing major. Lots of roots on the ground so watch your step. Also lots of mosquitoes (we went later in the evening which may have been a factor in that). Trail is pretty narrow so you’ll be walking single file. Lots of little views of the wetlands on the trail, some nice boardwalks, and plenty of little benches along the trail to rest. Plenty of wildflowers to be seen on this trail. No bison or bears spotted. Overall a shorter hike at Elk Island, but good for a work out because of its hilly nature.

Conditions: Wildflowers

Amisk Wuche Trail

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Elk Island National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Elk Island National Park is Shirley Lake, Paul Lake and Oster Lake, which has a 4.4 star rating from 471 reviews. This trail is 7.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 551 ft.

What is the longest trail in Elk Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Elk Island National Park is Oster Lake and Tawayik Lake. This trail is estimated to be 12.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Elk Island National Park?

There are 21 trails in Elk Island National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 6,908 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Elk Island National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Elk Island National Park has you covered. Elk Island Road Cycle boasts the most elevation gain with 931 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Oster Lake and Tawayik Lake, which will get you 908 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Elk Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 12 camping trails in Elk Island National Park and the most popular is Astotin Lakeview Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 502 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Elk Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 18 running trails in Elk Island National Park and the most popular is Shirley Lake, Paul Lake and Oster Lake with an average 4.4 star rating from 471 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Elk Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 14 biking trails in Elk Island National Park and the most popular is Shirley Lake, Paul Lake and Oster Lake with an average 4.4 star rating from 471 community reviews.